It sounds like an unnecessary step (if you're going to clean it out the best bet is to dump everything, reinstall the OS, then add back what you want in it.) I wasn't able to do this with my old computer because to keep some of my best software (from work, still in there after retirement) I'd need the original disks and I don't have them here. Even using older versions is okay for my needs vs buying new (because now you rent it month by month.)